Illuminable transmission cable

ABSTRACT

An illuminable transmission cable includes an electrical conductor, a light-diffusing fiber having a glass core and a cladding, at least one of the glass core and a core-cladding interface having a plurality of scattering structures. The light-diffusing fiber is configured to optically couple with a light source which emits light into the light-diffusing fiber. The scattering structures are configured to scatter the emitted light and output the emitted light along at least a portion of a sidewall of the light-diffusing fiber. A light transmissive jacket surrounds the electrical conductor and the light-diffusing fiber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and the benefit under 35U.S.C. §120 of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/992,569 filed on May 13,2014, entitled “LIGHT DIFFUSING FIBER FOR USE IN CONSUMER DEVICES,” theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure pertains to a light and signal delivery system, and moreparticularly, to an illuminable transmission cable and its uses.

Aesthetic or fashionable elements are often a primary driving force inthe sale of consumer electronic devices such as headphones. Headphonesmay be manufactured with a variety of different shapes, colors andsizes. Some headphones have luminescent elements that enable them toglow, but generally suffer from complex configurations and high energydependency.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an illuminabletransmission cable includes an electrical conductor, a light-diffusingfiber having a glass core and a cladding, at least one of the glass coreand a core-cladding interface having a plurality of scatteringstructures. The light-diffusing fiber is configured to optically couplewith a light source which emits light into the light-diffusing fiber.The scattering structures are configured to scatter the emitted lightand output the emitted light along at least a portion of a sidewall ofthe light-diffusing fiber. A light transmissive jacket surrounds theelectrical conductor and the light-diffusing fiber.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anilluminable transmission cable system includes a light-diffusing fiberdefining a first end and a second end and a sidewall extending betweenthe first and second ends. A first light source is coupled to the firstend of the light-diffusing fiber and a second light source is coupled tothe second end of the light-diffusing fiber, the first and second lightsources configured to emit light into the respective first and secondends of the light-diffusing fiber. The emitted light is output along asidewall of the light-diffusing fiber. A first conductive strip ispositioned on an exterior of the fiber and a second conductive strip ispositioned on the exterior of the fiber. The first and second conductivestrips extend the length of the fiber and conduct electrical power tothe second light source.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anilluminable transmission cable includes a transmission medium positionedwithin a transmission jacket. A light-diffusing fiber is configured toreceive light emitted from a light source. The light-diffusing fiber ispositioned within a fiber jacket and configured to diffuse the emittedlight along a length of the light-diffusing fiber. A cable jacketsurrounds the transmission medium and the light-diffusing fiber. Thecable jacket is transmissive to the diffused emitted light by thelight-diffusing fiber.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method ofoperating an illuminable transmission cable includes the steps ofproviding a light source configured to emit light, providing a singlelight-diffusing fiber optically coupled to the light source to receivethe emitted light, the light-diffusing fiber including a plurality ofscattering structures disposed along a length of the light-diffusingfiber configured to scatter the emitted light, transmitting an opticalsignal along the light-diffusing fiber, and controlling an electronicdevice with the signal.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed descriptionwhich follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary and are intendedto provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature andcharacter of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or moreembodiments, and, together with the description, serve to explainprinciples and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illuminable transmission cable and anelectronic device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along line II-II ofthe cable of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along line II-II ofthe cable of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along line II-II ofthe cable of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 2D is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along line II-II ofthe cable of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along line II-II ofthe cable of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic side view of the cable of FIG. 1, according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a headset according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the headset of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a front view of an earbud headset according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a headset according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 5A is an enhanced view taken at V-V of FIG. 4D; and

FIG. 5B is an enhanced view taken at V-V of FIG. 4D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivates thereofshall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1, unless statedotherwise. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure mayassume various alternative orientations, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification, are simply exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relatingto the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Depicted in FIGS. 1-3B are various embodiments of a transmission cable10 capable of being illuminated and for communicating with an electronicdevice 44. The illuminable transmission cable 10 may include atransmission medium 14 surrounded by a transmission jacket 18. The cable10 also includes a light-diffusing fiber (LDF) 22 positioned within afiber jacket 26. A cable jacket 30 may surround the transmission medium14 and the light-diffusing fiber 22, as well as the associatedtransmission and fiber jackets 18, 26. The transmission cable 10 isdepicted as having a first data plug 34 and a second data plug 38, butin some embodiments may only have a single data plug (e.g., the first orsecond data plugs 34, 38). The data plugs 34, 38 may be opticallycoupled to light-diffusing fiber 22 and the transmission cable 10.Although the transmission cable 10 is depicted as a universal serial bus(USB) cable in one embodiment, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure may be equally applicable to RCA cables for both compositevideo and stereo audio, high-definition multimedia interface cables,Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, headphone audio cables, as well aspower cables (e.g., for a laptop computer, desktop computer, electronicdevice, cellphone charger, automotive and building power conduits,etc.). The transmission cable 10 may be configured (e.g., thoughalteration of the data plugs 34, 38 or otherwise) to couple with avariety of devices such as cell phones, headphones/headsets, computers,servers, other transmission cables of various types, building electricalcables, etc.

A light source 42 may be positioned within an electronic device 44(e.g., MP3 player, headset, computer, cellphone, audio/video playbackdevice, etc.) to which the transmission cable 10 may be inserted and/orotherwise engaged with and optically coupled to the light-diffusingfiber 22. In another embodiment, the transmission cable 10 may be partof an electronic device which includes the light source 42 (e.g.,headset, cellphone charger, etc.). In other embodiments, the firstand/or second data plugs 34, 38 may include the light source 42. Thelight-diffusing fiber 22 includes a first end and a second end, each ofwhich may be configured to optically couple (e.g., accept light from)with a source of light (e.g., the light source 42) or configured (e.g.,via cleaving at an angle, ball termination, etc.) to release the light46. In operation, the light source 42 emits light 46 into thelight-diffusing fiber 22 which is configured to scatter the light 46 andoutput at least a portion of the light 46 along at least a portion of asidewall 50 of the light-diffusing fiber 22. The light 46 which isscattered out of the sidewall 50 of the light-diffusing fiber 22 maythen be utilized to illuminate the transmission cable 10 and/or dataplugs 34, 38.

In some embodiments, the transmission cable 10 is coextruded with allcomponents (e.g., transmission medium 14, transmission jacket 18,light-diffusing fiber 22, fiber jacket 26, etc.) in a single step.Alternatively, the illuminated transmission cable 10 may be mechanicallyassembled and incorporated into the cable jacket 30 in separate steps.

The transmission medium 14 is configured to carry at least one of asignal or electrical power from one end of the illuminated transmissioncable 10 to another. In one embodiment, the transmission medium 14 mayincorporate one or more optical fibers for the transmission of opticalsignals. Both single mode and multimode optical fibers may be utilizedas the transmission medium 14. Optical signals that the optical fiberstransmit may include audio, video, data, or control signals. Thetransmission medium 14 may include a single optical fiber or a bundle offibers. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission medium 14 may beconfigured as one or more electrical conductors (e.g., wires) such ascopper, aluminum, silver, gold, other conductive materials andcombinations thereof. Such electrical conductors would be useful for thetransmission of electrical signals such as audio, video, data, andcontrol signals. The transmission medium 14 may include a singleconductor, or a bundle of conductors, and any associated insulatingmaterials. In power embodiments, the transmission medium 14 may beconfigured to carry an electrical current along the transmission cable10. Power embodiments of the transmission medium 14 may utilize the samematerials as those used in the electrical signal embodiments.

The light-diffusing fiber 22 may be configured as a singlelight-diffusing fiber 22 or may be a bundled (or ribbonized) collectionof light-diffusing fibers 22. Bundles and ribbons may incorporate two ormore light-diffusing fibers 22 in a variety of configurations.Ribbonized configurations, one or more light-diffusing fibers 22 may belaminated onto a single polymeric sheet, or between polymeric sheets.The light-diffusing fiber 22 has a diameter of less than about 1,000microns, less than about 750 microns, less than about 500 microns, andless than about 250 microns. In a specific embodiment, the diameter ofthe light-diffusing fiber 22 is about 250 microns. In embodiments wherethe light-diffusing fibers 22 are in a bundle, the bundle may have adiameter between about 250 microns and about four inches. Examples oftechniques for designing and forming such light-diffusing fibers 22 maybe found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,450,806; 7,930,904; and7,505,660, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0305035,which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The light-diffusing fiber 22 includes a glass core 54 and a claddinglayer 58. In some embodiments, the core 54 may be doped with fluorine.To induce scattering of the light 46 within the light-diffusing fiber22, a plurality of scattering structures may be formed within thelight-diffusing fiber 22. The scattering structures scatter the light 46away from the core 54 through the cladding 58 and toward the sidewall 50of the light-diffusing fiber 22. The scattered light 46 is then“diffused” through the sidewall 50 to provide illumination to thetransmission cable 10. In one embodiment, the scattering structures ofthe light-diffusing fiber 22 are gas filled voids, or other nano-sizedstructures, configured to scatter the light 46. In embodiments where thescattering structures are gas filled voids, the gas may contain, forexample, SO₂, Kr, Ar, CO₂, N₂, O₂ or mixtures thereof. Thecross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) of the scattering structures(e.g., voids) as described herein may vary from about 10 nanometers toabout 1 micron (for example, about 50 nanometers to about 500nanometers), and a length may vary from about 1 millimeter to about 50meters (e.g., about 2 millimeters to about 5 meters, or about 5millimeters to about 1 meter). In other embodiments, the scatteringstructures may include high index materials configured to scatter thelight 46. Exemplary high index materials include GeO₂, TiO₂, ZrO₂, PbO₂,and Zn. It should be understood that both gas filled voids and highindex materials may be used concurrently as scattering structures, orthat different portions of the light-diffusing fiber 22 may each havedifferent types of scattering structures. Further, intentionallyintroduced surface defects on the core 54 or cladding 58 may alsoincrease the amount of light 46 scattered by the light-diffusing fiber22. Additionally or alternatively, the cladding layer 58 may be formedto include scattering structures (e.g., voids or high index materials)to scatter the light 46 and direct the light 46 through the sidewall 50of the light-diffusing fiber 22.

The scattering structures may have a periodic or non-periodic order inthe light-diffusing fiber 22. In other embodiments, some portions of thelight-diffusing fiber 22 may have a periodic arrangement of scatteringstructures while other portions have a non-periodic arrangement. Withincreasing distance from the light source 42, the overall intensity ofthe light 46 scattered by the light-diffusing fiber 22 decreases due toa decrease in the light 46 available within the light-diffusing fiber22. As such, the density or geometry of scattering structures may changewith increasing distance from the light source 42 in order to providesubstantially constant illumination across the light-diffusing fiber 22.

In one embodiment, the light-diffusing fiber 22 has the ability toscatter a specific spectral range (e.g., visible spectral range) of thelight 46, while not substantially scattering a different spectral range(e.g., signal carrying range or near infrared) of the light 46. Thespectral range at which the scattering structures scatter may becontrolled via geometry of the scattering structures (e.g., size, shape,length) and/or by the type of scattering structure (e.g., gas filledvoid, high index material, or surface defect). The amount of the lightloss in a specific spectral range via scattering can be increased bychanging the properties of the glass in the light-diffusing fiber 22,the percentage of the light-diffusing fiber 22 having the scatteringstructures, and the size and/or the density of the scatteringstructures.

Scattering loss of the light-diffusing fiber 22 may be controlledthroughout steps of fiber manufacture and processing. During thescattering structure formation process, the formation of a greaternumber of scattering structures (e.g., voids, high index materials) willgenerally increase the amount of light 46 scattered, and during thedrawing of the fiber 22, the scattering can be controlled by using highor low tension to create higher or lower loss, respectively. To maximizescattering of the light 46, the cladding layer 58 may be removed, overat least a portion of the light-diffusing fiber 22 length, if not all.

The light 46 may be scattered in a substantially uniform manner over thelength of the light-diffusing fiber 22. The light-diffusing fiber 22 mayhave a scattering loss in excess of 50 dB/km (for example, greater than100 dB/km, greater than 200 dB/km, greater than 500 dB/km, greater than1000 dB/km, greater than 3000 dB/km, greater than 5000 dB/km). Theintensity variation of the scattered light 46 coming through sidewall 50of the light-diffusing fiber 22 is less than about 60%, less than about50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, andless than about 10% for the target length of the light-diffusing fiber22. In order to reduce or to eliminate bright spots at points where thelight-diffusing fiber 22 bends, it is desirable that the increase inattenuation at a 90° bend in the fiber is less than 5 dB/turn (forexample, less than 3 dB/turn, less than 2 dB/turn, less than 1 dB/turn)when the bend diameter is less than 50 millimeters. In an exemplaryembodiment, these low bend losses are achieved at even smaller benddiameters, for example, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, and even lessthan 5 mm.

In various embodiments throughout the disclosure, the fiber jacket 26,the cable jacket 30, and the transmission jacket 18 may be transmissiveto the scattered light 46 and/or include at least one photoluminescent(e.g., fluorescent and/or phospholuminescent) material configured toemit light/glow when excited by the light 46 scattered from thelight-diffusing fiber 22. Embodiments where the fiber jacket 26 and thecable jacket 30 are transmissive provide the advantage of allowing thegreatest amount of scattered light 46 to exit the transmission cable 10,thus increasing the perceived illumination of the cable 10. In aspecific embodiment, the cable jacket 30 may be transflective giving thecable 10 a reflective appearance when the light source 42 is on, butallowing the scattered light 46 to pass through and illuminate the cable10 when the light-diffusing fiber 22 is scattering light. Embodimentsutilizing photoluminescent (e.g., fluorescent and/or phospholuminescent)materials benefit from their addition in that the illuminatedtransmission cable 10 may be more evenly illuminated due to thediffusing nature of the photoluminescent (e.g., fluorescent and/orphospholuminescent) materials in the jackets 26, 30. Additionally, theglow of the photoluminescent (e.g., fluorescent and/orphospholuminescent) material in the cable jacket 30 may help to concealone or more non-illuminated structures (e.g., transmission medium 14,transmission jacket 18, filler material) within the transmission cable10. Additionally or alternatively, the light-diffusing fiber 22 and/orcable jacket 30 may be coated with inks that contain scattering pigmentsor molecules, such as TiO₂.

Referring now to the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2A, the transmissioncable 10 may simply include the transmission medium 14, the transmissionjacket 18, the light-diffusing fiber 22 and the fiber jacket 26. Thetransmission medium 14 and the light-diffusing fiber 22 extendco-linearly with one another along a substantial length of thetransmission cable 10. The transmission jacket 18 may be coupled to thefiber jacket 26 adhesively and/or mechanically to keep the transmissioncable 10 from separating during use. In one mechanical couplingembodiment, the transmission medium 14 and the light-diffusing fiber 22may be co-extruded in a single polymeric jacket (i.e., replacing thetransmission jacket 18 and the fiber jacket 26) in a spaced apart (e.g.,ribbonized) or touching configuration.

In such an embodiment, the fiber jacket 26 may either be transmissive tothe scattered light 46 or incorporate the photoluminescent (e.g.,fluorescent and/or phospholuminescent) materials as explained above.

Referring now to the configuration show in the embodiment of FIG. 2B,the transmission cable 10 includes the cable jacket 30 surrounding thefiber jacket 26 and the transmission jacket 18. In embodiments where thetransmission jacket 18 does not incorporate photoluminescent (e.g.,fluorescent and/or phospholuminescent) material, an optical reflector 66may be positioned around the transmission jacket 18 to aid in reflectingthe light 46 scattered by the light-diffusing fiber 22 toward the cablejacket 30. The reflector 66 may include a wrapped metal foil (e.g.,aluminum foil), metalized mylar, braided copper shielding, or othersufficiently reflective materials to reflect the light 46. Inembodiments where the transmission medium 14 includes at least onemetallic electrical conductor and the transmission jacket 18 istransparent, the electrical conductor may be configured to havesufficient luster to reflect the scattered light 46 out of theilluminated transmission cable 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, a plurality of light-diffusing fibers 22 maypartially or substantially encircle the transmission medium 14 andtransmission jacket 18. In one embodiment, the light-diffusing fibers 22may be in a ribbonized configuration with the ribbon being folded aroundthe transmission jacket 18. In another embodiment, the light-diffusingfibers 22 may branch off of the transmission cable 10 at differentlengths of the cable 10 or at a common point along the cable 10.Providing more light-diffusing fibers 22, each optically coupled to thelight source 42 or to separate light sources, allows for a greaterillumination of the transmission cable 10. Additionally, by positioningmultiple light-diffusing fibers 22 around the transmission medium 14, amore evenly distributed illumination of the transmission cable 10 may beachieved. Optionally, each of the light-diffusing fibers 22 may carrylight having a different color, allowing static or dynamic color mixingof light within the illuminated transmission cable 10.

Referring now to the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2D, the transmissioncable 10 may include a single light-diffusing fiber 22. In such anembodiment, the light-diffusing fiber 22 may function to scatter thelight 46 (not shown) from the sidewall 50, while also transmitting anoptical signal along the transmission cable 10. As explained above, thescattering structures of the light-diffusing fiber 22 may be of asufficient size to scatter light within a visible spectral range (e.g.,visible light), but not large enough to scatter light in a signalspectral range (e.g., near infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths). Such aconfiguration of the scattering structures would allow a visible portionof the light 46 to be scattered and illuminate the transmission cable10, while also allowing an optical signal portion of the light 46 to betransmitted across the cable 10 and be substantially un-scattered. Inanother embodiment, the optical signal may be carried on the light 46itself. For example, the light source 42 may modulate the light 46faster than perceptible by a human eye such that the modulation is notnoticed by an observer, but still carries a signal (e.g., audio, video,data, and/or control signal). It should be understood that a pluralityof light-diffusing fibers 22 may be included in the transmission cable10, each of which is capable of scattering the light 46 and transmittingan optical signal.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-B, the illuminated transmission cable 10 mayoptionally include a first conductive strip 80 and a second conductivestrip 84 positioned on the sidewall 50 of the light-diffusing fiber 22.The first and second conductive strips 80, 84 may be covered by thefiber jacket 26. The first and second conductive strips 80, 84 mayinclude a conductive metal applied via physical vapor deposition, aconductive metallic ink, a clear conductive material (e.g., indium tinoxide, fluorine tin oxide), or combinations thereof. The first andsecond conductive strips 80, 84 may be between about 20 microns andabout 100 microns wide. The first and second conductive strips 80, 84may have a thickness greater than about 10 nanometers, greater thanabout 100 nanometers, greater than about 1 micron, greater than about 10microns, or greater than 100 microns. The first and second conductivestrips 80, 84 may extend the length of the transmission cable 10. Thefirst and second conductive strips 80, 84 are depicted angularly spacedapart about 180 degrees, but may be positioned on the light-diffusingfiber 22 between about 2 degrees and about 180 degrees apart. The firstand second conductive strips 80, 84 may vary in position with respect toone another across the length of the light-diffusing fiber 22. Atpredetermined positions along the light-diffusing fiber 22, theconductive strips 80, 84 may move closer (e.g., between about 2 degreesand about 90 degrees apart) to one another to, for example, facilitateelectrical communication. In some embodiments where a ground isseparately provided or otherwise not necessary, the transmission cable10 may include only one conductive strip (e.g., the first or secondconductive strips 80, 84). It should be understood that although notdepicted with the transmission medium 14 or the transmission jacket 18,embodiments utilizing the first and second conductive strips 80, 84 mayalso include the transmission medium 14 and/or the transmission jacket18.

In operation, the first and second conductive strips 80, 84 areconfigured to transfer an electrical current or electrical signal alongthe transmission cable 10. Such an embodiment is advantageous in that itmay allow for the elimination of a transmission medium 14 andtransmission jacket 18, thus decreasing the size and weight of thetransmission cable 10. Additionally, providing an electrical powersource with the light-diffusing fiber 22 may extend the length at whichthe fiber 22 may be utilized. For example, in long runs of thelight-diffusing fiber 22, the intensity of the scattered light 46 mayfall to below aesthetically desirable levels with increasing distancefrom the light source 42. In such a circumstance, the first and secondconductive strips 80, 84 may transmit electrical power to a second lightsource 92 optically coupled to the light-diffusing fiber 22. Use of thesecond light source 92 allows for more light 46 to be added to thelight-diffusing fiber 22 such that degradation in the illumination ofthe transmission cable 10 is not readily apparent to an observer. Itshould be understood that the first and second conductive strips 80, 84may be utilized without the first light source 42 and that the strips80, 84 may provide power to the only light source (e.g., the secondlight source 92) optically coupled with the fiber 22.

Utilization of the first and second conductive strips 80, 84 allowsincorporation of a variety of sensors into the transmission cable 10which may employ the strips 80, 84. Exemplary sensors include thoseoperating on resistance and/or capacitance between the first and secondconductive strips 80, 84. In the depicted embodiment, a connection point96 is positioned on the transmission cable 10 and is configured to be inelectrical contact with both the first and second conductive strips 80,84. Movement of the connection point 96 along the transmission cable 10increases and decreases a resistance through the first and secondconductive strips 80, 84. By measuring the change in the resistance ofthe cable as the connection point 96 is moved along conductive strips80, 84, a signal can be generated. This signal may be used (e.g., by acontroller in the electronic device 44) to control such features asvolume, intensity of the scattered light 46, device mode, trackplayback, or whether or not to enable communication across thetransmission cable 10. It should be understood that that connectionpoint 96 may be replaced with such features as a capacitive pad or othersensors capable of employing the first and second conductive strips 80,84. In yet other embodiments, a user's finger, run across thetransmission cable 10, may be enough to register a change in theresistance or capacitance between the first and second conductive strips80, 84 and thus control the feature.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-D, depicted are various embodiments of audioheadsets 100 (e.g., headphones, earbuds, etc.) for the use of conveyingaudio information (e.g., music, books, self-guided tours, etc.) to auser which employ various embodiments of the transmission cable 10. Theheadsets 100 generally include a first audio speaker assembly 104 and asecond audio speaker assembly 108. In some embodiments, the headset 100may include the transmission cable 10 extending from the electronicdevice 44 (FIG. 1) to the first and second audio speaker assemblies 104,108. In such an embodiment, the transmission medium 14 may serve tocommunicate electrical audio signals to the headset 100 (e.g., the firstand second speaker assemblies 104, 108) while the light-diffusing fiber22 provides illumination to the transmission cable 10. Alternatively, asdescribed above, the light-diffusing fiber 22 may both illuminate thetransmission cable 10 and transmit optical signals to and from theheadset 100 (e.g., first and second speaker assemblies 104, 108). Inother embodiments, the headset 100 may be a wireless configurationincorporating the illuminated transmission cable 10 extending within theheadset 100 itself (e.g., from a controller within the headset 100 to,or between, the first and second audio speaker assemblies 104, 108).

Use of the transmission cable 10 with the headset 100 or electronicdevice 44 may allow dynamic control of the illumination provided by thecable 10. For example, a controller positioned in the electronic device44 or headset 100 may communicate with the light source 42, and/or thesecond light source 92, to alter the color, frequency and intensity ofthe light 46. For example, based on a type of music being played, thecontroller may change the illumination color of the cable 10, pulse theillumination synchronously with a beat of the music, or provide avisualization effect to the music. In other embodiments, the user mayactivate a safety or emergency setting of the electronic device 44 orheadset 100 causing the cable 10 to flash with a frequency and colorconfigured to attract the attention of observers.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an embodiment of the headset 100 having a singletransmission cable 10 extending from the electronic device 44 to boththe first and the second audio speaker assemblies 104, 108. The firstand second audio speaker assemblies 104, 108 are both coupled to asupport member 120. The support member 120 is configured to wrap behindthe head of a user of the headset 100 and position the first and secondaudio assemblies 104, 108 proximate the user's ears. The transmissioncable 10 is coupled to the support member 120 and is configured to wrapbehind the head of the headset 100 user with the support member 120. Thetransmission cable 10 may be coupled to an exterior of the supportmember 120 such that the scattered light 46 is visible to onlookers toprovide an aesthetic and/or safety function. Alternatively, thetransmission cable 10 may be positioned within a light transmissiveembodiment of the support member 120 such that the scattered light 46may exit the support member 120. By coupling the transmission cable 10to the support member 120, the cable 10 avoids tight bends in thelight-diffusing fiber 22 or the transmission medium 14 which couldresult in loss of light 46 or signal (e.g., optical and/or electrical).Additionally, the support member 120 may include a rigid material orstructure configured to resist bending of the support member 120 and thetransmission cable 10. The transmission cable 10 extends past the secondaudio speaker assembly 108 and terminates within a housing 124. Thehousing 124 may include a control 128 (e.g., a button, slide, etc.)capable of controlling a feature about the electronic device 44 orheadset 100 (e.g., volume, track, light intensity, device mode, etc.). Asignal from the control 128 may be carried on the transmission medium14, the first and second conductive strips 80, 84, and or thelight-diffusing fiber 22, to a controller in the electronic device 44 orthe headset 100.

Not all light 46 which enters the light-diffusing fiber 22 may bescattered. In some embodiments, only a portion of the light 46 from thelight source 42 reaches the light-diffusing fiber 22 and illuminates thehousing 64. It should be understood that the light source 42 may bepositioned within the housing 124, or in embodiments utilizing thesecond light source 92, the second light source 92 may be positioned inthe housing 124.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, the audio speaker assemblies 104, 108 of theheadset 100 may be in the form factor of earbuds and/or in-earheadphones. In the depicted embodiment, the headset 100 may employ twoilluminated transmission cables 10, each connected to one of the firstand second audio speaker assemblies 104, 108. The first and second audioassemblies 104, 108 each include a casing 140 and an in-the-ear piece144, either of which may be optically coupled with the light-diffusingfiber 22 and configured to glow. The transmission cables 10 may haveseparate light sources permitting independent dynamic control ofillumination color and frequency.

Referring now to the depicted embodiment of FIG. 4D, the headset 100 maybe a wireless over-the-head headset. The headset 100 includes a headband160 which functions as a connecting body between the first and secondaudio speaker assemblies 104, 108. The first and second audio speakerassemblies 104, 108 include on-the-ear/over-the-ear cups 164 coupled toan outer cover 168. The headband 160 is coupled to the first and secondaudio speaker assemblies 104, 108 and extends over the user's head whilein use. The headset 100 may include a button 172 used for control of atleast one feature of the electronic device 44 and/or headset 100 (e.g.,volume, track selection, switching to an incoming telephone call, devicemode, etc.).

The headband 160 is depicted as having the illuminated transmissioncable 10 extending around an edge 180 of headband 160 and headset 100.The illuminated transmission cable 10 may provide an aestheticallypleasing illumination to the headset 100 with the scattered light 46, aswell as function to transmit data and audio signals between the firstand second audio speaker assemblies 104, 108 or controllers within theheadset 100. The headset 100 may include one or more waveguides 184positioned around the headset 100 and headband 160. In the depictedembodiment, waveguides 184 extend along a central region of both aninner surface and an exterior surface of the headband 160, but may alsoextend over the entirety of the headband 160. It should be understoodthat although depicted as a continuous structure, the waveguide 184 mayincorporate a plurality of waveguides 184 forming a semi-continuous ordiscontinuous structure. The waveguide(s) 184 may be formed of a clearmaterial capable of transmitting light such as acrylic, epoxy, urethaneand fluorocarbon resins, silicone rubber, and combined resins of thesematerials. Additionally or alternatively, the headband 160 may includeone or more logos or decals which may be in optical communication withthe transmission cable 10 and configured to be illuminated. It should beunderstood that the outer covers 168 and the on-the-ear/over-the-earcups 164 may be optically coupled to the transmission cable 10 suchproviding additional illumination to the headset 100.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, the edge 180 of the headband 160 may have thetransmission cable 10 coupled thereto. The transmission cable 10 may becoupled to the headband 160 in a variety of manners. For example, inmechanical fastening embodiments, the transmission cable 10 may becoupled into a groove defined on the edge 180 of the headband 160,threaded through a plurality of eyelets, or have at least one fastenerattaching the transmission cable 10 to the headband 160. In adhesivecoupling embodiments, the transmission cable 10 may be glued to theheadband 160 using a clear adhesive. In some embodiments, the waveguide184 may extend to and from the edge 180 of the headband 160. In such anembodiment, the scattered light 46 from the transmission cable 10 mayenter the waveguide 184 and provide a side illumination of the waveguide184.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, the transmission cable 10 may extend through agroove 188 defined on an underside of the waveguide 184. In such aconfiguration, the scattered light 46 from the transmission cable 10will enter the waveguide 184 and be dispersed throughout the waveguide184, giving rise to a soft glow from the waveguide 184. The waveguide184 may contain a plurality of scattering structures configured todiffuse the light 46. Additionally, the waveguide 184 may have a coatingwhich aids in the diffusion of the light 46 to provide a soft glowillumination to the headset 100.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illuminable transmission cable, comprising: anelectrical conductor; a light-diffusing fiber having a glass core and acladding, at least one of the glass core and a core-cladding interfacehaving a plurality of scattering structures, wherein the light-diffusingfiber is configured to optically couple with a light source which emitslight into the light-diffusing fiber, wherein the scattering structuresare configured to scatter the emitted light and output the emitted lightalong at least a portion of a sidewall of the light-diffusing fiber; anda light transmissive jacket surrounding the electrical conductor and thelight-diffusing fiber.
 2. The illuminable transmission cable of claim 1,wherein the electrical conductor is configured to transmit electricalaudio signals to an audio speaker assembly.
 3. The illuminabletransmission cable of claim 1, wherein the scattering structures have adiameter between about 10 nanometers and about 1 micron.
 4. Theilluminable transmission cable of claim 3, wherein the scatteringstructures comprise gas filled voids.
 5. The illuminable transmissioncable of claim 4, wherein the light-diffusing fiber has ascattering-induced attenuation of the emitted light greater than about50 dB/km.
 6. An illuminable transmission cable system, comprising: alight-diffusing fiber defining a first end and a second end and asidewall extending between the first and second ends; a first lightsource coupled to the first end of the light-diffusing fiber and asecond light source coupled to the second end of the light-diffusingfiber, the first and second light sources configured to emit light intothe respective first and second ends of the light-diffusing fiber,wherein the emitted light is output along a sidewall of thelight-diffusing fiber; a first conductive strip positioned on anexterior of the fiber; and a second conductive strip positioned on theexterior of the fiber, wherein the first and second conductive stripsextend the length of the fiber and conduct electrical power to thesecond light source.
 7. The illuminable transmission cable system ofclaim 6, wherein a connection point is electrically coupled with thefirst and second conductive strips, the connection point beingconfigured to move relative to the light-diffusing fiber.
 8. Theilluminable transmission cable system of claim 6, wherein the first andsecond conductive strips comprise a transparent conductive material andhave an angular position on the fiber with respect to one another ofbetween about 2° and about 180°.
 9. The illuminable transmission cablesystem of claim 6, wherein the light-diffusing fiber comprises aplurality of scattering structures within the fiber.
 10. The illuminabletransmission cable system of claim 6, wherein the scattering structureshave a diameter ranging from about 10 nanometers to about 1 micron. 11.An illuminable transmission cable, comprising: a transmission mediumpositioned within a transmission jacket; a light-diffusing fiberconfigured to receive light emitted from a light source, thelight-diffusing fiber positioned within a fiber jacket and configured todiffuse the emitted light along a length of the light-diffusing fiber;and a cable jacket surrounding the transmission medium and thelight-diffusing fiber, wherein the cable jacket is transmissive to thediffused emitted light by the light-diffusing fiber.
 12. The illuminabletransmission cable of claim 11, wherein the transmission jacket istransmissive to the emitted light.
 13. The illuminable transmissioncable of claim 12, wherein the transmission medium comprises anelectrical conductor comprising a metal, wherein the metal is configuredto reflect the emitted light from the light-diffusing fiber toward thecable jacket.
 14. The illuminable transmission cable of claim 11,wherein the transmission jacket comprises a photoluminescent material.15. The illuminable transmission cable of claim 11, further comprising:an optical reflector positioned around the transmission medium, theoptical reflector configured to reflect the emitted light from thelight-diffusing fiber toward the cable jacket, further wherein thetransmission medium is an optical fiber.
 16. The illuminabletransmission cable of claim 11, the light-diffusing fiber comprising aplurality of scattering structures having a diameter of about 10nanometers to about 1 micron.
 17. A method of operating an illuminabletransmission cable, comprising the steps: providing a light sourceconfigured to emit light; providing a single light-diffusing fiberoptically coupled to the light source to receive the emitted light, thelight-diffusing fiber comprising a plurality of scattering structuresdisposed along a length of the light-diffusing fiber configured toscatter the emitted light; transmitting an optical signal along thelight-diffusing fiber; and controlling an electronic device with thesignal.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein transmitting the opticalsignal comprises modulating a frequency at which the light source emitslight to create a signal.
 19. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: providing a second light source, wherein the second lightsource is configured to transmit the optical signal at a wavelengthdifferent than the emitted light.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinthe optical signal comprises an audio signal for a speaker assembly andthe plurality of scattering structures are configured to notsubstantially scatter the optical signal.